You may recall in February I posted this awesome transportation map of Walt Disney World, with an omage to traditional municipal subway or bus route maps.  The map is the creation of artist Arthur  De Wolf (www.wdwfocus.com/map) and has been updated to include the new Skyliner - a gondola system linking Epcot and Hollywood Studios with a few of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels.  If you are relying on Walt Disney World transportation to get you from park to park or even within a park, this handy map will be your best friend.  The map does show, however, how complicated Disney's transportation system can be.  I often hear the argument made by travellers to Orlando that the bus transportation between the Disney hotels and the theme parks is a perk to staying on Disney property.  My response to this is - "Your community has an amazing bus system too - do you ever take it to the mall?"  The answer by most is no - because they enjoy convenience and non crowded nature of driving.  The answer is the same for a Walt Disney World vacation.  We prefer to drive our rental car from our Orlando Encore Resort at Reunion vacation home to the parks.  We can come and go as we please and we don't have to wait in line to board a crowded bus full of strollers.  Yes, you do have to rent a car, but Orlando car rentals are among the cheapest in the country and it gives you the options of visiting Universal Orlando, Sea World or spending a day at the Outlet Malls.  Yes - you have to pay parking fees at the park, but guess what - Walt Disney World charges hotel guests daily parking at their hotels too.  And the  rental rate savings, extra living space and private pool you get from renting our vacation villa rental far outweigh any advantages to staying "on property".  If you traditionally have stayed at a Walt Disney World resort and you want to try staying off site, contact us for more information and details.

So you have your Orlando vacation home at Encore Resort at Reunion booked for the holidays  and now you are looking for a little fun before embarking on your Walt Disney World vacation during Christmas?  Try calling 407-939-6779 and get a few fun holiday messages from Mickey Mouse and the gang.  The hotline is set up primarily as a way to purchase tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (press 1 for tickets); however, if you are up for a holiday joke or a little message from Mickey Mouse, press 2 and pick your options.  Enjoy!

Attention DIY crafters!!  Are you looking for the perfect gift for a Walt Disney World fan?  Here's a great craft that can be enjoyed by people of all ages (especially kids).  To make these Walt Disney World coasters, all you need are some ceramic tiles, cut out paper of your favorite Disney  images (printouts of characters, Disney Park maps, ride concept art, etc), Mod Podge glue and felt.  If you want to see how easy it is to create these fun coasters, check out this video.  Surprise that special Disney fan in your family and have these coasters available for Christmas morning eggnog.  If making this craft gets you thinking that a trip to Walt Disney World is in your future, please contact us to find out if our Encore Resort at Reunion vacation home, located just minutes from Walt Disney World and Universal Resort Orlando, is right for you.  

We are only 3 weeks until Christmas.  For those of you who are heading to Walt Disney World, the time can't tick by fast enough.  To help you count down the days to the magic, check out our earlier Encore Resort at Reunion Vacation Home Blog post where you will find a DIY Disney Vacation Countdown Calendar.  You can also create a Disney World Days Until Christmas Calendar as well.  Enjoy!